Preliminary Investigations into the Alteration of Cadmium Orange Restoration Paint on an Ancient Greek Terracotta Krater

• Published in: Heritage 2021-09, Vol.4 (3), p.1497-1510
• Main Authors: Rayner, Georgina, Costello, Susan D., McClelland, Arthur, Akey, Austin, Eremin, Katherine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: alteration; Art galleries & museums; cadmium orange; Cadmium selenide; Chlorine; Hydrochloric acid; Paints; Research methodology; Scanning electron microscopy; selenium; terracotta
• ISSN: 2571-9408; 2571-9408
• DOI: 10.3390/heritage4030082

In preparation for exhibition, an ancient Greek terracotta krater received treatment which included selective in-painting with cadmium orange (CdSSe). After one year on display the object displayed disfiguring alteration in select areas of restoration. Cross-section analysis of samples taken from the object revealed that alteration only occurred in areas where the paint was in direct contact with darkened and abraded areas of the terracotta surface, in which analysis found the presence of chlorine. The alteration was recreated in mock-ups for more in-depth analysis. Using Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-rays (SEM-EDS) it was discovered that selenium-rich structures were forming throughout the paint films. The observed alteration is the result of degradation of the CdSSe pigment which occurs in the presence of chlorine and light. This research highlights the need for careful selection of restoration materials when dealing with objects suspected to contain residual chloride ions if desalination cannot be undertaken.